The difference between co-extrusion fence and non-co-extrusion fence
In the outdoor fence market, co-extruded WPC and non-co-extruded WPC fences are the two main types. They each have significant differences in structure, materials and performance, especially in terms of panels, posts, accessories, cost and usage scenarios. The following is a detailed comparison of the two fences in various aspects to help you gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics so that you can make an informed choice.
1. Panels (Fence Panels)
Co-extruded WPC fences:
Structure: Co-extruded WPC panels have a special co-extruded layer, usually made of PE or other polymer materials. This outer layer wraps the entire panel like a protective film, effectively improving the waterproofness, UV resistance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the panel.
Durability: Compared with traditional WPC panels, co-extruded WPC panels can still maintain the integrity of the surface under long-term outdoor exposure, avoiding fading and aging problems caused by UV radiation. Even after years of wind and sun, the color and texture of co-extruded WPC panels remain as new.
Actual case: In residential or resort areas in coastal areas, co-extruded WPC fences have become the first choice for many users because of their resistance to salt spray and moisture.
Non-coextruded WPC fence:
Structure: Non-coextruded WPC boards lack outer layer protection and only use traditional WPC materials. Although this type of board is similar to coextruded WPC in appearance at the beginning, it lacks an effective protective layer and is easily affected by the external environment.
Features: In a humid environment with large temperature differences, non-coextruded WPC boards are prone to deformation and cracking, and the surface color will quickly fade due to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, non-coextruded WPC boards often require regular maintenance, such as polishing and painting, to maintain their appearance.
Actual case: In some farms or short-term decoration projects far away from the coastline, due to budget requirements, choosing non-coextruded WPC boards can meet basic decoration needs, and in long-term use, it will be found that its durability can still meet the conditions.
2. Posts
Coextruded WPC fence:
Material: The posts of coextruded WPC fences are usually made of aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy is not only light in weight and corrosion-resistant, it can support heavier fence boards, but also has good waterproof properties and can resist the erosion of rain and moisture for a long time.
Advantages: Aluminum alloy posts are particularly suitable for open areas with strong winds due to their strong material stability. Even in severe weather such as strong winds or heavy rain, the fence can maintain stability and firmness. In addition, the installation of aluminum alloy posts is also very convenient and suitable for large-scale outdoor construction.
Actual case: In urban parks and commercial parks, the stability of aluminum alloy posts greatly extends the service life of the fence, and does not require frequent replacement or maintenance.
Non-co-extruded WPC fence:
Material: Non-co-extruded WPC fences use WPC posts, which are consistent with the material of the fence board, making the overall style coordinated and unified.
Features: WPC posts are slightly inferior to aluminum alloy in terms of weather resistance and corrosion resistance. Especially in humid environments, WPC posts may deform and crack due to moisture absorption, and may need to be replaced or repaired after long-term use.
Actual case: In some low-budget home courtyard decoration projects, WPC posts have become a low-cost solution. It not only solves the customer’s budget problem, but also effectively isolates the external environment to ensure privacy.
3. Accessories
Co-extruded WPC fence:
Accessories quality: The accessories of co-extruded WPC fence are mostly made of corrosion-resistant high-quality metal or high-strength plastic, designed for outdoor use. The accessories have strong weather resistance and can maintain high stability even when exposed to the outdoors for a long time, and are not easy to rust or damage.
Maintenance frequency: Due to the high quality and durability of these accessories, the replacement frequency can usually be reduced to ensure the long-term stability of the entire fence system.
Actual case: In outdoor public facilities, such as trail fences or park fences, high-quality accessories can not only maintain overall firmness, but also avoid safety hazards caused by damage to accessories.
Non-co-extruded WPC fence:
Accessories quality: Non-co-extruded fences mostly use lower-cost plastic accessories with lower weather resistance. These accessories are prone to aging or cracking in high temperature or humid environments.
Maintenance requirements: Due to the poor quality of accessories, non-co-extruded fences often need to replace accessories in actual use, which increases maintenance costs.
Actual case: In short-term outdoor activities or temporary isolation sites, low-cost accessories can meet short-term needs, and long-term exposure to outdoor environments will not cause quality problems if not hit by excessive force.
4. Cost
Co-extruded wood-plastic fence:
Upfront cost: Due to the use of high-quality materials and co-extrusion technology, as well as aluminum alloy columns and high-quality accessories, the initial cost of co-extruded wood-plastic fence is high, but the later maintenance requirements are small.
Long-term cost performance: Despite the large initial investment, co-extruded wood-plastic fences perform stably in long-term use, almost without frequent maintenance, and have a relatively high cost performance.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for projects that value long-term durability, especially public places or commercial facilities.
Non-co-extruded wood-plastic fence:
Upfront cost: Non-co-extruded fence materials and processes are relatively simple, low cost, and suitable for projects with limited budgets.
Later cost: Due to the need for regular maintenance or replacement, the cost of non-co-extruded fences will continue to increase in long-term use, resulting in an increase in total cost.
Applicable scenarios: Ideal for short-term projects or temporary installation scenarios.
5. Usage Scenarios
Co-extruded WPC fence:
Applicable environment: Strong weather resistance, suitable for all kinds of harsh environments, such as seaside, mountain, wetland, etc. It is especially suitable for projects that require high durability, such as residential area fences, public green space fences and commercial center fences.
Practical application cases: In high-end communities or scenic spots, co-extruded WPC fences are not only beautiful, but also can remain stable for a long time in extreme weather, which is an ideal choice for improving the overall landscape quality.
Non-co-extruded WPC fence:
Applicable environment: More suitable for projects with limited budgets or occasions with low durability requirements, such as home courtyards, temporary isolation facilities, etc.
Practical application cases: In some residential courtyards or rural outdoor scenes, non-co-extruded WPC fences meet basic decoration and isolation needs, with low initial costs, suitable for users who pursue economical and practical.
Summary
When choosing a fence, co-extruded WPC fences and non-co-extruded WPC fences have their own advantages and disadvantages. Co-extruded WPC fences perform well in long-term durability, anti-aging, low maintenance costs, etc., and are suitable for places with high requirements for quality and service life. Non-co-extruded wood-plastic fencing meets the needs of those with limited budgets and low service life requirements. Choosing the right type of fencing based on specific needs can ensure quality while achieving the best return on investment.